This annual celebration of country music (broadcast from Nashville, Tenn.) is once again hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. The long list of performers include Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Faith Hill and Lady Antebellum. 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

"The Big Bang Theory," 8 p.m. (CBS): A game threatens Sheldon's relationship with Stephen Hawking; Penny secretly signs up for a college class.

"The X Factor," 8 p.m. (Fox): The top 16 acts perform.

"Beauty and the Beast," 9 p.m. (CW): Vincent revives a teenage boy who was left in a dumpster and rushes him to the hospital; Silverfox and his agents offer Cat information about her mother in exchange for Vincent.

"Project Runway All Stars," 9 p.m. (Lifetime): The designers must recreate a 1970s disco-style look using Nine West shoes as their inspiration.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," 10 p.m. (FX): When Charlie and Dee invade the world of the wealthy, they find romance within, but Mac, Dennis and Frank try to get in on the action.

The New York Times

This article was updated on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. A earlier version stated that "The Office" would air at 9 p.m. on NBC, but NBC has since changed its schedule.